Below is a list of accommodations and modifications for K-6 special needs children in the classroom; specifically children who fall into the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and children with hearing impairment.
All children with special needs have
unique educational needs.
Everyone needs to work together to
assist these children to the best of their ability. Every student deserves the
chance to learn!
Autism Spectrum Disorders
The following list can also be utilized while students are using internet and web based instructions. Web based learning is bit more difficult with the younger students because they are just beginning to learn the basic social skills of life, they might be new to the classroom, the internet, the other children, learning and listening to a teacher, sitting in a chair all day, and using a computer and understanding the functions is very hard to do. Any activity in the classroom, being classroom instruction or web-based learning these accommodations and modifications need to be followed in order for the student to become a successful student.
1) Present clear, concise directions and give concrete examples.
2) Individualized instruction – either given through the teacher, teachers aide, a one on one therapist (Applied Behavioral Analyst – ABA therapist), or therapeutic staff support (TSS).
3) Classroom pull-out for additional one on one activities. Quiet area’s such as a library would be a good place for the student to use the computer with no distractions. The noise and the distractions in the classroom could easily result in behavior and mood changes for the student.
4) Give them a means of communication. Use sign language or Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This will help the student learn to communicate his wants and needs; without this the student may become frustrated and act out. The student will show you the picture of a computer when it is time to use the computer.
5) Must have a ROUTINE and repetitive schedule. Picture schedule works well for these students and shows the student what he/she will do next. Again, this will eliminate frustrations and the student will learn the classroom routine and become familiar with the everyday classroom requirements. He/she will know that it is time to go to the computer and follow instructions on the computer.
6) Minimize distractions; control noise and light. The smallest things can cause disruptions to the students. Some need lower lights because unlike some students they can see the flickering of the fluorescent bulbs and the lightest tap on a desk could sound like a drum in his/her ear. Some students in the ASD have been known to wear ear protectors to calm them and help eliminate the classroom noise. Teachers have also used lamps or only turned on half of the classroom lights to accommodate this need.
7) Frequent breaks! They work hard and deserve a break. There attention span is not as long as other students therefore needing a rest to recuperate.
8) Constant encouragement and reward. Again they work hard and need to be encouraged and rewarded for their hard work. The student will want to do more or work harder.
9) Clearly define the limits and make student aware that there are consequences for inappropriate actions. They too, need to face consequences and take account for their actions.
10) Interact with the students. Show them you care and that you can be trusted. Give the students special assignments or projects and reduce the amount of work if the student gets frustrated.
ZacBrowser: This was the first internet browser developed specifically for children living with variants of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Visit this site to learn about this amazing program where students with ASD can play and
JoeSchedule: This is an online Autism software that one can explore to learn more about the picture schedules, ABA programs, token boards, visual stories, and lots more!
This site would be more for the 6th grade learner.
iSocial: 3D Virtual Learning: Helping youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders
develop social competence. (This description is taken word for word by the
website http://isocial.rnet.missouri.edu/)
iSocial is a three dimensional virtual learning environment for teaching social competence to youth who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The goal of iSocial is to provide learners with competencies that make social participation possible in both virtual and natural settings. To this end, iSocial enables social interaction and provides supports for the development of social competence in a safe, completely controlled environment.
Hearing
Impaired
The following list can also be utilized while students are using internet and web based instructions. Web based learning is bit more difficult with the younger students because they are just beginning to learn the basic social skills of life, they might be new to the classroom, the internet, the other children, learning and listening to a teacher, sitting in a chair all day, and using a computer and understanding the functions is very hard to do. Any activity in the classroom, being classroom instruction or web-based learning these accommodations and modifications need to be followed in order for the student to become a successful student.
Hearing
impaired students learn mostly from what he/she sees and what he/she does.
1) Learn or have someone in the classroom who knows sign language. Sign language is the key to communication for the hearing impaired. This will encourage language and words will eventually come.
2) Visual pictures. These students learn by seeing and doing. Internet activity would need to demonstrate what the student needs to do so the student can then copy what was done.
3) Large group discussions are very beneficial for the hearing impaired. When the class is learning about internet and web based instruction the hearing impaired student should have a chanve to watch the teacher or other student’s complete assignments or activities before they are given a chance. This will give the student who is hearing impaired a chance to prepare for his/her response.
4) Role playing. Real events help students understand what they are learning. The child could pretend to be an animal and role play what that animal would do and how that animal would act.
5) Preferential seating. Must be close to the teacher or computer to see and hear what is going on.
6) Constant encouragement and reward. Again they work hard and need to be encouraged and rewarded for their hard work. The student will want to do more or work harder.
7) Individual support. Interact and bond with the student’s one on one. Show them you care and that you can be trusted. Give the students special assignments or projects and reduce the amount of work if the student gets frustrated.
8) Color and highlighted material that jumps out to the student and so he/she will know what is important.
9) Environmental safety. Make sure all areas in the classroom are set up and things are easily marked so the student knows how to follow the rules. Again, the rules should be in big enough for student to read, in color, and highlighted if important.
10) Routine and repetitive instructions. Make sure the student understands the activity, repeat a few times if needed. Be consistent in your instructions. The student is comfortable with routine but could accommodate change if needed and made aware of this.